Millions of pounds of rotting food have been removed from a fire-damaged warehouse in Los Angeles, but residents of Boyle Heights are still waiting for the foul odour to fade.
South Coast Air Quality Management District officials confirmed on Saturday, August 29, that Lineage Logistics had completed the removal of bulk food waste from the facility, marking a major stage in the clean-up after the blaze.
The company now has seven days to remove remaining debris, power-wash and disinfect the building’s first freezer. Negative air pressure must be maintained inside the warehouse and pollution-control equipment must continue operating during the work.
The fire broke out at the cold-storage facility on June 17 and burned for more than a week. Large quantities of frozen meat and other food were left unrefrigerated, creating a persistent smell across surrounding parts of Los Angeles.
Since July 12, South Coast AQMD has received more than 4,900 complaints describing the odour as rotten, sour and similar to rubbish. The regulator issued 38 notices of violation against Lineage between July 12 and August 25, alleging a public nuisance.
Under an enforcement order approved earlier this month, Lineage was required to remove at least 8.8 million pounds of food waste each week. The order contains more than 90 conditions covering waste removal, odour control and the handling of exposed material.
Officials said waste had to be taken out through a covered loading dock, with no food left there for more than 30 minutes. Odour-capturing and neutralising agents were also required to be applied immediately when spoiled food was exposed.
South Coast AQMD said daily inspections and air monitoring would continue in Boyle Heights. It warned that further enforcement, including higher penalties or additional violation notices, could follow if the facility continues to cause a public nuisance or fails to meet the clean-up order.
